Netflix Highlights the Life and Death of LGBT Activist Marsha P. Johnson in New Documentary

Netflix has released the trailer for the forthcoming documentary based on the life and mysterious death of LGBT icon Marsha P. Johnson.

Self-described as a “street queen,” Johnson is named the “Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement” in the trailer. Johnson, who was heavily involved with the 1969 Stonewall riots, was seen as a pioneer in the birth of the modern LGBTQ movement. In 1970, Johnson – with the help of fellow LGBT activist Sylvia Rivera – created STAR (Street Transvestites Actions Revolutionaries), the world’s first transgender rights group, which honored those who identified as LGBT and provided shelter for homeless LGBT people in New York City. In 1992, Johnson was found dead in the Hudson River. Although police ruled the tragic death a suicide, those who were close to Johnson and fellow activist disputed the ruling, claiming she would never end her life.

Now, 25 years after her death – Netflix is taking a look into her life as a LGBT activist and the cold case that has not been forgotten. Directed and co-written by David France, who helmed the critically acclaimed documentary How To Survive A Plague, the doc will follow Victoria Cruz, a trans activist who’s determined to find the truth to Johnson’s death and honoring her legacy as a LGBT activist. Presented by Public Square Films, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson will be produced by L.A. Teodosio (Little Men), with Joy A. Tomchin (AWOL) and Sara Ramirez (Grey’s Anatomy) serving as executive producers.

“Almost single-handedly, Marsha P. Johnson and her best friend, Sylvia Rivera, touched off a revolution in the way we talk about gender today,” France said in a statement. “Their names should be household words. But Marsha’s life was cut tragically short and Sylvia died shortly thereafter, the victim of a broken heart. Getting to know their story through the investigation undertaken by Victoria Cruz, a seminal activist in her own right, has been one of the great honors of my career. Now, with Netflix as our distribution partner, I am confident the legacy of these tremendous women will never be forgotten.”

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson will be available to stream October 6 on Netflix. Be sure to check out the official trailer below.